THOMAS G. KELLEY
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, River Assault Division 152
Place and date: Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 June 1969
Entered service at: Boston, Massachusetts
Born: 13 May 1939, Boston, Massachusetts
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR to THOMAS G. KELLEY
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the afternoon on June 1969 while serving as commander of River Assault Division 152 during combat operations against enemy aggressor forces. Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant) Thomas Kelley was in charge of a column of eight river assault craft which were extracting one company of U.S.Army infantry troops on the east bank of the Ong Muong Canal in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, when one of the armored troop carriers reported a mechanical failure of a loading ramp. At approximately the same time, Viet Cong forces opened fire from the opposite bank of the canal. After issuing orders for the crippled troop carrier to raise its ramp manually, and for the remaining boats to form a protective cordon around the disabled craft, Lieutenant Commander Kelley realizing the extreme danger to his column and its inability to clear the ambush site until the crippled unit was repaired, boldly maneuvered the monitor in which he was embarked to the exposed side of the protective cordon in direct line with the enemy’s fire, and ordered the monitor to commence firing. Suddenly, an enemy rocket scored a direct hit on the coxswain’s flat, the shell penetrating the thick armor plate, and the explosion spraying shrapnel in all directions. Sustaining serious head wounds from the blast, which hurled him to the deck of the monitor, Lieutenant Commander Kelley disregarded his severe injuries and attempted to continue directing the other boats. Although unable to move from the deck or to speak clearly into the radio, he succeeded in relaying his commands through one of his men until the enemy attack was silenced and the boats were able to move to an area of safety. Lieutenant Commander Kelley’s brilliant leadership, bold initiative, and resolute determination served to inspire his men and provide the impetus needed to carry out the mission after he was medically evacuated by helicopter. His extraordinary courage under fire, and his selfless devotion to duty sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
About the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was established by Joint Resolution of Congress, 12 July 1862 (amended by acts 9 July 1918 and 25 July 1963). The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the name of Congress to a person who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.
The medal was originally awarded to petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines for gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities (such as the saving of lives). Officers were not eligible until March 3, 1915, but some awards were made retroactive to earlier campaigns. An Act of Congress on August 7, 1942 established the Medal of Honor as a combat award only. It is the highest award for gallantry that the Army or Navy bestows.
Click on the link below to view a video about Tom Kelley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGCVLmx5TW0
Joint Retirement and Birthday Celebration for Tom Kelley
Former Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs
State of Massachusetts
MOH Recipient Jack Jacobs (9th I.D.), Ed Frank, MOH Recipient Tom Kelley and Richard “Doc” Nelson.
Tom Kelley credits Richard “Doc” Nelson with saving his life on June 15, 1969. He invited Richard to be his honored guest during the celebration. Tom was very pleased to hear that over $300,000.00 was received for the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund as a result of the event. The funding assists the spouses and children of Massachusetts military personnel who gave the “Ultimate Sacrifice” in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Acts of Valor”
United States Naval Institute “Naval History” magazine – June 2018
Pictorial images of LT Kelley’s Medal of Honor heroics:
Here is the United States Naval Institute website:
Tom has written a Memoir titled, “The Siren’s Call and Second Chances: A Story of Perseverance, Service, Heroic Courage and Love“. All proceeds will go directly to Veteran’s Charities. You may view our link and how you can attain the book by visiting this page:
“The Siren’s Call and Second Chances“
Let’s all support Tom & Joan in this venture. How can we go wrong by supporting one of our River Rat heroes who is donating 100% of the proceeds to our fellow veterans?! It’s definitely a win-win situation. Also be sure to write a “Review” for the book at Amazon once you read it.
Tom Kelley credits Richard “Doc” Nelson with saving his life on June 15, 1969. He invited Richard to be his honored guest during the celebration. Tom was very pleased to hear that over $300,000.00 was received for the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund as a result of the event. The funding assists the spouses and children of Massachusetts military personnel who gave the “Ultimate Sacrifice” in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Acts of Valor”
United States Naval Institute “Naval History” magazine – June 2018
CLICK on the link below to view LT Kelley’s pictorial story:
Here is a link to theUnited States Naval Institute website:
Tom has written a Memoir titled, “The Siren’s Call and Second Chances: A Story of Perseverance, Service, Heroic Courage and Love“. All proceeds will go directly to Veteran’s Charities. You may view our link and how you can attain the book by visiting this page:
“The Siren’s Call and Second Chances“
Let’s all support Tom & Joan in this venture. How can we go wrong by supporting one of our River Rat heroes who is donating 100% of the proceeds to our fellow veterans?! It’s definitely a win-win situation. Also be sure to write a “Review” for the book at Amazon once you read it.